Twinkle, Twinkle Fairy Lights

How about adding a bit of sparkle to your wedding day? No, I don't mean the engagement ring and sparkly shoes, I'm talking about adding a bit of light and shine to your wedding venue in the form of beautiful lighting. Traditionally in Ireland there has been a tendency to leave the reception decor to the venue, with the exception of placecards, favours and flowers, and more recently chair covers, it's been largely a standard package.

Well in 2011 we're encouraging brides (and grooms) to take charge of their decor and work with the venue to create the beautiful, individual wedding reception you deserve! This is what the Inspiration section of the site is all about. It doesn't have to be complicated or expensive (see our DIY projects). If you're a little scared of being too ambitious with your decor then one very simple but beautifully effective thing you can do is add some Fairy Lights...

Good lighting creates good atmosphere. It's a rule. And at a wedding, pretty, sparkly, fairy lights or larger string lights add a fun, light-hearted and magical element, to really lift the whole look of a room or venue. It doesn't have to be complicated, and if you're clear on the kind of things you want, your venue should have no problem working with you to make it happen. So we've got three simple ideas to get you started:

1. Curtains of Fairy Lights

One thing I like about fairy lights is that more is better, especially when it comes to being indoors in a large room (outdoor is different see below). But the great invention of curtain LED lighting in the last couple of years means you don't have to string 50 sets of lights together. You can get string curtains or lighting mesh and use it as a backdrop strategically - behind the top table, at the dance floor or as above on the ceiling (especially good in a marquee). And my sources tell me that LED is more energy efficient. Lighting curtains are becoming more common so your venue may already have some ready and waiting. If not you can buy them in any homecare store or online in loads of places including Amazon,and Ledvista

2. Add a bit of Atmosphere with Fun lighting: Shapes, Flowers, Themes

Everywhere you look in the shops now, you can find ornamental string lights in different shapes and forms - hearts, stars, lanterns made of paper, raffia, silk flowers etc. While it would be expensive (and might look a little OTT) to have them all over the venue, a few pretty interesting lights in strategic places like as a backdrop to the wedding cake stand, around your table plan, around the doors to the venue, would look so pretty. Especially if they're tied in with your theme e.g. butterflies or hearts. (I got great white led heart wreaths in Debenhams before Christmas for example). The selection in most home and department stores are good including: Next, Debenhams and Ikea. (Images via OnceWed)

3. Outdoor Lights Make an Outdoor Room

Whether you're having a summer or winter wedding (but particularly for a winter wedding) outdoor lights really lift the look of a venue, and add to that sense of occasion and party atmosphere. You could string either outdoor leds or larger light bulbs among the trees, or or around plants at the entrance. And what about the smoking terrace? Just make sure that you buy lights specifically for outdoor use and not for indoor, don't want any mishaps. (Image via Eat Drink Chic )